The Clean Energy Transition: From Vision to Reality

Decarbonising our economy and avoiding the worst effects of climate change requires us to zero greenhouse gases emissions at the latest by 2050. Energy is a key piece in addressing this challenge as it represents about 75% of anthropogenic emissions. However, it becomes increasingly evident that the technical challenges associated with the transition, even if essential, are one factor of a broader societal transformation. If we are serious about becoming a climate-neutral society, a comprehensive strategy for a fair and sustainable Clean Energy Transition is needed.

This goal will also not be reached without international collaboration and partnership across the globe. Europe has historically been a leader in climate diplomacy and is the first economic bloc to put a concrete roadmap on the table. The undertaking is ambitious; in the words of EU Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni presenting the ‘Fit-for-55’ policy package, “early movers have advantages, but they also face risks”.

The challenges connected to the Clean Energy Transition are societal in nature and, consequently, the potential solutions must be designed in a cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary way. As recently alerted by the UN IPCC, time is running out to find solutions that will keep average temperatures from increasing too far beyond 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Never the emergency for driving the Clean Energy Transition effectively and decisively at the EU and global levels has been greater.

The EERA White Paper on the Clean Energy Transition, which will be officially released at the occasion of this conference, provides EERA’s unique approach to these challenges, highlighting a set of key policy measures presented as preconditions to successfully and timely drive the Clean Energy Transition and make it a reality for EU citizens.